Founded the Artists Agency, representing stars like Marilyn Monroe, Rex Harrison and Richard Harris.
Hired by Lew Wasserman for MCA after graduating from Stanford.
Paramount Studios executive Marty Rackin wanted the song "Moon River" to be cut from Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961), but Shepherd replied "over my dead body".
Served with the U.S. Army during World War II, covering stories for Stars and Stripes Magazine from occupied Germany.
Served as head of production at Warner Brothers, 1970-76 and MGM, 1976-82.
One of his first jobs was selling syndicated TV shows. Because Jews were ostracized in some areas where he worked, he changed his name to Shepherd.